SALT is back with a second Leeds venue, and this time it's all about craft beer and falafels.
Picture the scene, it's been a long, hard week at work. You're in Leeds city centre and want a post-work drink and nibbles in a relaxing space that will allow you forget about the day-gone-by.
SALT Craft + Falafel is going to be one of those places that allows just that. Grab a cold craft beer, grab a seat by the waterside, taste some of Leeds' most-famous falafels and Middle-Eastern cuisine. It really is going to be impossible to bring your worries with you as you enter here.
Image: PGHL
Opening next week, SALT is launching its sixth branded tap with a craft + falafel concept in central Leeds next week, on Friday 18 February.
Where Craft Asylum once stood, the newly-refurbished site will be pairing award-winning craft beer with delicious middle-eastern street food from Falafel Guys to offer a unique twist on their love for discovery and food- SALT Craft + Falafel really does promise a taste sensation for all the senses.
Having proved the success of pairing street food with craft beer through their two Craft + Pizza places in London and a Craft + Bao concept in Sheffield, this latest SALT Tap explores the tastes of the middle east by partnering with the culinary wizards ‘Falafel Guys’.
Image: PGHL
Famed for their delicious Middle-Eastern Street food originating from their bright red food van on Briggate, ‘Falafel Guys’ have become a staple of Leeds’s Street food culture. Whether it be fresh falafel cooked in front of your eyes, chunky grilled Halloumi or slow oven-cooked chicken – we're told that when paired with craft beer they are a match made in heaven.
Co-Founder of Falafel Guys, Ahmed Ramzy has said ahead of the launch, “SALT and the area is very lively and we've been doing our research into locations where there is a gap in the market for tasty fresh falafels. Middle Eastern food is extremely popular and what differs us from other places is that we use top quality freshest ingredients and everything on the menu is halal. We can't wait to meet and welcome our new and regular customers.”
If the promise of delicious falafel and SALT's award-winning brews isn’t tempting enough already, the addition of seven different cocktails ‘on tap’ will also bring the fastest cocktail serves to Granary Wharf. Think 2 for £12 all day, every day on all your favourite concoctions, as well as quality craft beers on offer and a super speedy service.
Image: PGHL
Situated in the modern development of Granary Wharf, the area features a vibrant selection of bars, restaurants, a contemporary hotel, residential buildings and open spaces with scenic views. Just a stone’s throw from the rapidly growing reborn district of ‘Temple’, SALT Craft + Falafel offers something new for residents, workers and visitors alike- and we can't wait to check it out.
Founder, Jamie Lawson states, “We wanted to extend our presence in Leeds whilst still offering something different. We were blown away by the reception to SALT Leeds Craft + Cocktails and we wanted to offer a little bit of diversity in a fast-growing area of the city centre.
"SALT Craft + Falafel is inspired by our love for food and venues that offer something for everyone. Craft beer and street food is such a natural pairing and adds to our pursuit of ‘beer perfection”.
You can grab a pint and a falafel from Friday 18 February at SALT Craft + Falafel at the former Craft Asylum venue at Granary Wharf.
Feature Image- PGHL
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North Star Coffee announces opening date for new site – and they’re giving away 200 coffees to celebrate
One of Leeds' most iconic brands is expanding with two city centre openings.
Coffee lovers, you're going to love this one.
North Star Coffee Roasters are one of the early pioneers of specialty coffee in the North of England and among the UK’s first B Corp-certified coffee roasters.
They've been keeping the people of Leeds awake since 2013, and you'll find their coffee across the country as well as at their current city centre locations.
One of their brand-new locations inside the Victoria Quarter will be opening next Monday 1 June.
Their new kiosk will be located outside Jo Malone London and marks the brand’s third site in Leeds.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
To celebrate the launch, North Star will be giving away 50 free coffees a day from Tuesday 2 June until Friday 5 June - a total of 200 free drinks across the opening week. Customers will be able to claim any coffee from the menu, with one free drink per person available on a first come, first served basis, each day.
Their other new site is expected to be on Great George Street, and we'll keep you updated with any news on that one as and when we know more.
Speaking about the opening, Holly Kragiopoulos, Co-founder of North Star, said: “Opening a third site in the centre of Leeds feels incredibly special for us. Leeds has always been at the heart of North Star, so being able to bring our coffee into Victoria Quarter is a huge milestone.
"We wanted to celebrate by giving something back to the city and welcoming both loyal regulars and new customers with free coffee throughout our opening week.”
Thor’s Tipi chosen as the new operator to create a ‘distinctly Yorkshire’ Leeds Christmas Market 2026
Clementine Hall
Leeds City Council has appointed Thor's tipi as the new operator of Leeds Christmas Market 2026 on City Square.
We hate to mention the C word in May... especially in the midst of a heatwave, but just bare with us on this one.
The beloved Leeds Christmas Market will have a new operator this year, as creators of pop-up seasonal bars Thor's Tipi have been given the responsibility by Leeds City Council.
So, what's going to be different?
Thor's tipi will create a ‘distinctly Yorkshire’ retail, craft and food market which celebrates Leeds identity.
Image: Supplied
The market will feature a Yorkshire based line-up, full of popular local names and Leeds street food legends and a series of cabins will also be reserved for local craft businesses and emerging artisans.
Alongside plenty of shopping and eating options, the Christmas Market will become a full-on-festive experience for visitors. There will be winter games and karaoke huts in an Alpine Lodge, the original THOR’S tipi - complete with its signature firepit seating area, free live music from local artists, school choirs & community performances throughout the season.
There will also be a host of family-friendly events, including a ‘Leeds Night Before Christmas’ trail, family raves and free craft tables.
Image: Supplied
Amanda Monaghan, Director of THOR’S tipi, said: "This is our eleventh year in Leeds and we’re super excited to bring the most beautiful Christmas Market to City Square! We’re especially looking forward to speaking with local traders about how we can showcase their talents. Get in touch if you’d like to be involved! We’d love to have you on-board.”
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council's executive member for economy, said: "We're delighted that Leeds will be welcoming a Christmas market again this year with a new look and that visitors will once again have the chance to experience the wonders of the festive season at the heart of the city centre.”
“As always, the council is committed to working with partners and providers to bring high quality and exciting events to the city. We know Christmas is always a special time in Leeds, and this year is set to be a memorable one."
Sophie Smith -
8th February 2022 
